Over half of the nation's students participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which serves over 5 billion meals a year. That's a lot of meals, providing the dairy community with a tremendous opportunity to ensure that the milk and dairy foods experience is maximized.

Sustainability is at a higher awareness level, but consumers don’t necessarily call it that. People have broadened their interpretation of foods that are good for them beyond nutrition and health. For them it’s more about transparency and the greater good.

The conversation seems to be moving in a more balanced direction for whole milk-based dairy foods (i.e., milk, cheese and yogurt). While nutritional guidance has recommended low-fat and fat-free dairy foods for the past 30 years, the scientific evidence on whole milk and milk products is evolving and appears to be neutral to positive on cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes.

While protein consumption in the United States generally meets the minimum requirements, emerging research indicates a higher-protein diet — while staying within the range of 10% to 35% of total calories (the amount for weight management) — may have benefits for certain populations.